TB Expands in the Caribbean

Apr27

April 27, 2017

TRAILER BRIDGE EXPANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN

By CB Staff, Caribbean Business, Big Business Profile: Import/Export

Trailer Bridge is carefully growing its footprint in the Caribbean trade by maintaining a solid financial position and capitalizing on import and export opportunities when they arise. “As we continue to make investments in the Caribbean trade, we provide access to the islands, allowing for increased import and export business,” said Mitch Luciano, president & CEO of the ocean carrier.

The company’s most recent investment was the establishment of new services for the Dominican Republic and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. In addition, Luciano noted, over the past five years, the company has established a logistics division and an in-house trucking division from its Jacksonville, Fla. headquarters.

“Our main business is in Puerto Rico and it’s a pretty heavy exporter for the U.S. and the Dominican Republic is a heavy importer into the U.S., so it’s a great balance for us,” he pointed out. “Our logistics group has grown significantly and we are the only 53-foot [high cube container] provider in the Dominican Republic and Virgin Islands,” Luciano added.

The company has two sailings per week to Santo Domingo, in addition to its long running weekly call from Jaxport’s Blount Island Marine Terminal to Puerto Plata. The Santo Domingo service utilizes one Roll-on/Roll-off barge, plus one combination Lift-on/Lift-off and Roll-on/Roll-off barge to move containerized cargo, flatbed breakbulk cargo, passenger vehicles, large construction and farming equipment, boats and other oversized specialty cargo. The vessels also call on San Juan during the twice weekly rotation to Santo Domingo.

Pioneering Innovation

Innovation has been central to the company’s growth from the beginning. Malcom McLean founded Trailer Bridge in 1991. As the “father” of containerization, he knew what was needed to make moving cargo from land to sea more efficient. He came up with the concept of containerizing cargo, which changed the way the global trade works today. Looking ahead, Trailer Bridge sees further growth opportunities. “Over the next two years, we plan on 60% growth in revenues,” Luciano predicted, “and over the next five years, we should see our revenues more than double.

“We are currently looking at expanding our logistics footprint within the United States,” he added, “while also reviewing other areas within the Jones Act trade or Caribbean, where we can expand.”

Originally started to create a seamless truckload transportation system between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the company has grown to become an industry leader in transporting product throughout the United States and North America. “Over the past several years, we began to incorporate our first class equipment, state-of-the art information systems, and second to none service into the domestic market to serve our clients’ needs via Trailer Bridge Logistics,” Luciano said. “With our company-owned assets, our owner operators and our partner carriers, we are able to provide truckload, intermodal, expedited, warehousing, transfers and white glove services to all of our clients.

“Likewise, over the past several years, through the guidance of our ownership, we have become a fiscally strong organization, while ensuring we invest in our people to create an environment where they can succeed,” he said. The company employs 120 people.

Streamlined Supply Chain

“We are always enhancing our IT systems through internal development and third party programs,” Luciano continued, as well as streamlining the company’s own operations and the supply chain for clients.

The company prides itself on being the industry leader in transporting cargo in 53-foot high cube containers. It owns more than 3,600 of these containers, making them readily available to clients in the Caribbean trade.

Moreover, the company recognizes that not all freight fits perfectly into a container, even the 53- foot variety. “We have a team with the know-how and problem solving skills to accommodate the special needs of specialized cargo,” he added. “We also know that you need the proper storage and the correct equipment to do the job right.